WASHINGTON, DC — Despite inflation concerns and ongoing production bottlenecks, builder confidence edged higher in December for the fourth consecutive month on strong consumer demand and limited existing inventory, the National Association of Home Builders reported.

Builder sentiment in the market for newly built single-family homes moved one point higher to 84 in December, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), released today.

“While demand remains strong, finding workers, predicting pricing and dealing with material delays remains a challenge,” said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke.

“The most pressing issue for the housing sector remains lack of inventory,” observed Robert Dietz, chief economist for the Washington, DC-based NAHB. “Building has increased but the industry faces constraints, namely cost/availability of materials, labor and lots. And while 2021 single-family starts are expected to end the year 24% higher than the pre-Covid 2019 level, we expect higher interest rates in 2022 will put a damper on housing affordability.”

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What a long, strange year it’s been! Let’s take a look back at the dominant 2021 trends and anticipate what 2022 will likely bring.

While it’s hard to predict with clarity, given some major unknowns, here are some hot takes from across the industry and the country from unique perspectives:

• San Diego-based designer Tatiana Machado-Rosas, Jackson Design and Remodeling’s design department manager;
• Long Island, New York-based kitchen and bath designer Susan Serra;
• Home Technology Association CEO Josh Christian;
• Bob Gifford, business development director for  luxury retailer Hastings Tile & Bath in New York City;
• Susan Chung, research v.p. with the American Society of Interior Designers;
• Boise, Idaho-based custom home builder Emily Clark of Clark & Co. Homes.

Wellness Trends Accelerate

Designers have been focused on wellness for decades with interest from some clients, but the pandemic really drove its importance home. Literally! “For 2021, a continued focus on health and hygiene helped drive the kitchen,” observes Chung. She also sees its importance elsewhere, noting that “the bathroom really became a place to escape the stress and fear of the outside world.” Wellness showed up in outdoor, work from home and mindfulness spaces, too. “As the home became a hub for all types of activities colliding together, homeowners were looking to design as one way to alleviate stress and promote tranquility,” the ASID executive concludes.

Beyond the spaces noted above, wellness showed up in related rooms. “The switch from what had been called the ‘mud room’ to what is now called the ‘utility room’ or pre-wash area; so many people wanted a location to drop groceries and sanitize items before heading into their homes,” shares Gifford. This is tied to an increasing interest in hands-free functionality, he explains: “Soap dispensers, faucets, hand-towels – anything and everything that gave people a sense of comfort and control over their environment.”

Kitchen Design Trends

“Multipurpose kitchens with open floor plans continued to be a strong trend as clients look to make their kitchen the vibrant heart of their home,” says Machado-Rosas. “Integrating smart technology, particularly with more people using the kitchen space to work from home or attend virtual classrooms, became even more essential. In addition, clients had a renewed interest in keeping their spaces hygienic, which led to a desire for easy-to-maintain materials for countertops and flooring,” she adds. The design manager conversely sees a resurgence in natural stone for sinks and countertops, attributing it to a desire for the sense of calm that comes from a connection to nature.

Across the country, Serra sees three dominant trends: “Wellness on steroids, cooking convenience and visual comfort.” Health and cleanliness were the top concerns she was hearing from clients. This included “performance materials in surfaces, as well as appliances [and fixtures] that promote healthy living and preserve our health, such as renewed attention to proper ventilation, enhanced touchless faucets and larger sinks going mainstream – often with two faucets” as a few examples.

Changes in shopping and eating habits are also influencing kitchen design, the New York designer believes. “A new hybrid type of cooking has emerged; time (but not too much) is being taken to create healthy homemade meals from fresh, quality foods, assisted by smart, efficient appliances. The purchase of a freezer for bulk food storage, better cabinet storage solutions and designing in more countertop space creates a near utopia for one or more cooks.”

Visual comfort is also a trend, Serra has observed. “As the kitchen has taken on more lifestyle functions in the past 18 months, homeowners are much more open to creative design solutions,” she shares. This has meant larger windows, nature-inspired texture and finish mixes, and comfortable dining areas with flexible designs or banquettes. “The transition of the kitchen aesthetic to more seamlessly integrate with surrounding rooms lessens the perception of the kitchen as workspace and nudges it more toward a living space,” she suggests.

Clark has also seen kitchens evolve, she comments, citing an “expansion of the scullery or the working pantry, work zones as opposed to a work triangle, and multiple mini-kitchens for multi-generational living.” Antimicrobial counters, touchless faucets and chef sinks also support healthy living and cooking, the home builder notes. Natural finishes, warm woods and creative design solutions with saturated cabinet colors are showing up in her northwestern region too.

Bathroom Design Trends

“The emphasis in bathroom design has been to create a highly customized space that communicates joy and tranquility,” Machado-Rosas observes. “Clients have been seeking a personal retreat with a spa-like atmosphere where they can truly relax.” These have included steam showers, heated floors, statement tubs – sometimes custom – and premium features catering to clients’ personalized needs and desires. Natural materials show up in these luxury bathrooms, too, the San Diego designer notes. “Balancing porcelain or glass tile with natural woods and stones and amplifying natural light have been popular,” she adds.

Clark sees the trend toward personalized luxury in her Idaho homes, as well. These include “sculptural soaking tubs, steam showers with light, sound and aromatherapy, tiles with hand-cut looks and subtle tonal differences, reeded or fluted textures, oversized area rugs and diaphanous drapes.”

“All during 2021, we worked with designers who wanted (and still want) the flexibility to customize their projects by using different colors and finishes for their vanities,” Hastings’ Gifford recalls. “For tubs, the solid surface materials remain popular because they have a supple texture and they are easy to clean and maintain.” The New York retailer also saw strong interest in hands-free faucets with white finishes and versatile wall-mounted vanities.

Technology Trends

Technology continued to trend in kitchen and bath projects, and it shows no sign of slowing. Smart features have a growing presence in kitchens and bathrooms, Home Technology Association CEO Christian notes. “We are seeing entertainment products being installed in kitchens like waterproof TVs built into the counter backsplash, charging docks, tablets for cooking tutorials or recipe surfing, built-in ceiling speakers or a simple wireless speaker on the counter.” He is also seeing sleek, integrated outlets, lighting keypads and flush-mounted concealment systems so that the room’s electronics are present but hidden.

“With bathrooms, we are seeing a lot of circadian rhythm lighting being installed so that time spent in the bath is consistent with a homeowner’s sleep cycles,” he says. Additional bathroom technology trends cited by the designers include smart toilets, enhanced shower systems, built-in sound and lighting systems and smart shadings.

Machado-Rosas sums up the situation this way: “We saw a significant increase in clients asking for fully integrated smart technology in their homes. Because of the combination of enhanced affordability and ease of use, we expect to see this trend grow exponentially in the years to come.”

Predictions for 2022

ASID’s Chung is anticipating that flex spaces, universal design, locally sourced products because of supply line and sustainability concerns will trend in 2022. She also believes that the pandemic has increased the perceived value of designers in helping their clients navigate the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

HTA’s Christian anticipates a strong push toward wellness technology, indoor and outdoor home theater spaces and the death (at least short-term) in ‘just-in-time’ delivery systems. He also sees designers working earlier in the process with technology professionals to more seamlessly integrate their projects.

Hasting’s Gifford predicts the increasing importance of video tours to replace travel and live events where possible. He also anticipates more integrated sink/vanity options, solid surface tubs continuing their popularity and, though no one wants to hear this, he notes, price increases across all products because of the increased costs of raw materials.

Among the designers, Serra anticipates appliances with upgradable technology, more dining space in kitchens, and more storage for multiple cooks. Machado-Rosas expects to see technology show up in more products and for smart home systems to become more affordable, a continued attention to creating calming spaces, multi-purpose rooms, larger pantries and customized bathrooms. She also expects minimalism to trend strongly for its low-
maintenance benefits.

Home builder Clark expects to see more hidden kitchens, induction, multi-function appliances and less upper cabinetry. She anticipates bathrooms getting more artisanal materials, sound and light enhancements for spa effects, and even what she calls family wellness suites. These would resemble high-end spa facilities with steam or sauna areas, grooming stations and central shower stalls.

While 2021 kept many design industry professionals at home, dealing with inventory and other challenges, 2022 is already shaping up to be a more active, in-person kind of year. The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, paired again with the International Builders’ Show, will meet in person in Orlando in February. Exhibitors reflecting the trends observed by these professionals will be on hand to share their wares. I’ll be there. Will you?

Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC is an author, wellness design consultant and industry speaker. Her third book, Wellness by Design (Simon & Schuster), published September 2020. You can learn more about her Wellness Market presentations, books, Wellness Wednesdays Clubhouse conversations and consulting services at jamiegold.net.

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN — A trio of emerging trends in neighborhood design and sustainable living practices should continue to shape the market for new housing and residential remodeling as the “mindset of consumers continues to shift in a dynamic social climate,” according to a new report from the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI).

According to HIRI’s recently issued Future of Housing Trend Report, new and remodeled homes will likely be shaped by a “growing homeowner passion” regarding issues such as climate change, sustainability and minimalism –
resulting “in an increased emergence of eco-friendly materials and 3D-printed technology to designs focused on cultural inspiration and reversible architecture.”

Among the key trends identified by HIRI researchers are the following:

Sustainable Housing: With sustainability a top priority, residential architects and designers are embracing different eco-friendly concepts, among them “reversible design” (the architecture of structures that can be easily deconstructed and can be reused or with parts that can be removed and added easily). Also growing as a trend in new construction is 3D-printed housing – homes that offer sustainable and protective construction that avoids structural issues in the case of extreme weather, according to HIRI.

“Contemporary consumers are wary of the impending consequences of climate change, and a large number are becoming increasingly aware that simply shifting their lifestyle and practicing ecological mindfulness are likely not enough,” the Indianapolis, IN-based HIRI said. “As a result, many are demanding that brands and creators take the environment into consideration.”

Simplified Living: Building off of the desire for more sustainable living, the emergence of simple, more minimalist design emphasizes homeowners’ functions and needs, according to HIRI.

“Contemporary consumers in fast-paced urban centers are looking to balance the demands of their daily lifestyle with a comfortable home environment,” HIRI observed. “Many are prioritizing minimalist designs and additional spaces that can optimize and elevate their living situation without compromising aesthetic appeal.”

Flight from the cities: “As urban centers expand in size and population, consumers are recognizing that their quality of life is suffering – whether that be due to alienation, affordability issues, lengthy commutes or pollution,” HIRI said. As a result, many are moving away from city centers and turning to community-based neighborhoods that provide a sense of belonging while also satisfying the need for convenience and cleaner air.

“Hyper-local neighborhoods”: Architects, developers and local governments are proposing neighborhoods that are centered on community building and local businesses, according to HIRI. These neighborhoods are intended to be car-free, with all necessities reachable via a short walk or bicycle ride.

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ORLANDO, FL — Returning to an in-person format, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show is scheduled to be held February 8-10, 2022 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Part of Design and Construction Week, KBIS will once again be co-located with the International Builders’ Show.

KBIS and IBS, hosted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association and the National Association of Home Builders, respectively, are expected to feature over 800,000 net square feet of exhibit space and showcase more than 1,000 design and construction brands.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

The combined KBIS and IBS events will offer diverse programming, both on and off the show floor, along with a range of new products, technology, demonstrations and networking opportunities.

Some of this year’s highlights include:

• The Kitchen & Bath Design + Industry Awards/Opening Party, dubbed “Night of Elegance,” is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Rosen Centre.
• DCW’s Opening Ceremonies, which will take place from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8, will feature keynote speaker Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
• Wednesday, Feb. 9 opens with the NKBA State of the Association, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. The presentation will be followed with the State of the Industry keynote address by Ginny Clarke, Holistic Leadership Strategist and Former Director of Executive Recruiting at Google.
• The second day of KBIS closes with The Bash at Mango’s Tropical Cafe, from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., hosted by the NKBA.

EDUCATION & ACTIVITIES

The much-sought-out Voices from the Industry Conference will once again provide educational sessions and workshops, many offering continuing education units (CEUs). Over 80 hour-long informational sessions will offer attendees the chance to hear presentations from industry peers aligned to one of six tracks: Grow Your Business, Kitchen & Bath Specialty Training, Design, Management, Building/Remodeling and Customer Service. Several of the presentations will be hybrid, meaning the sessions can also be accessed online.

Education and information will also be provided through a variety of channels at the show, including:

KBISNeXT Stage, which will showcase the industry’s latest trends and insights shared by leading kitchen and bath experts. Programming includes DesignBites and a series of panel discussions on hot industry topics.

Wellness Pavilion, an area that showcases new and exciting wellness products and education covering themes such as biophilia, technology, lighting and more.

Discovery District, a portion of the South Hall devoted to emerging and international brands. At its center is the Discovery District Lounge, a place to sit, relax, recharge and network.

DCW Outdoor Living Pavilion, South Hall’s segment devoted to new products for grilling, entertaining and living well in a home’s outdoor space.

The ICFF Pavilion brings together brands that feature authentic design, contemporary design and high-end manufacturing. The area is focused on kitchen- and bath-
specific brands including fixtures, hardware, basins, tubs and vanities, as well as furniture, seating, flooring, lighting, materials and accessories.

NKBA Global Connect has an ongoing mission to expand KBIS and NKBA’s international impact, and it will offer curated International Delegation tours, an inaugural Pavilion in South Hall and the launch of the official German Pavilion at KBIS.

Design Milk X Modenus Talks Lounge, a collaboration between Design Milk and Modenus Media, is returning to KBIS for a fifth year and will be located in South Hall near the ICFF Pavilion. For 2022, #dmmtalks will focus on presentations and conversations around design business, emerging designers and artisans as well as networking breakfasts, luncheons and cocktail hours.

DesignBites “speed dating for brands” program returns, showcasing the latest product innovations. Situated on the KBISNeXT Stage, the presentation gives exhibitors the opportunity to share their newest products and programs in a three-minute presentation.

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Though this fall’s gathering at Salone in Italy was an abbreviated version of the annual event, visitors were wowed by what they saw and got a taste of what is to come. According to Maria Porro, the new president of Salone del Mobile.Milano, supersalone was not to be viewed as a smaller event, but rather as a special edition of the massive event – “the trade show reimagined.”

Held in September at the Rho Fairgrounds in Milan, the whole show – which was planned over the course of three months – had a different vibe than its predecessors. Held in just four exhibit halls, booths were scaled down and encouraged to follow an “art gallery” theme, allowing visitors to view displays from a comfortable distance if preferred. All surrounding rest and eating areas were fabricated from raw wood, a commitment to sustainability that allowed all of the materials to be disassembled and used again.

More than 60,000 attendees walked the floor, 30 percent of them from 113 countries other than Italy. All attendees adhered to a strict COVID-19 protocol, which included a check of vaccination cards or COVID testing at the gate and masks worn within the halls. Exhibitors included 425 brands, 18 percent of which were from countries other than Italy.

The new Salone del Mobile.Milano digital platform also played a decisive role during the event, used by an unprecedented number of visitors both at the fair and remote, noted show organizers.

“It was important to take that first but decisive step, to make our presence felt and send a signal to the country as a whole,” stated Porro. “Deciding to go ahead with this ‘supersalone’ took a good dose of courage and meant taking on a lot of responsibility – for the system as a whole and for the entire supply chain, which needed a physical and concrete occasion, not just symbolic and digital, to press the accelerator for a restart.” She added that the show organizers will use what they learned from this event to discover what works and what doesn’t, as well as what is missing. The result will be reflected in the full-sized 60th edition of Salone del Mobile.Milano, planned for April 5-10, 2022.

TREND: Metallic Finishes, Textured Finishes, Bold Colors

Cabinets got new life, with textured finishes, bright colors and matte surfaces among the displays. Metallic looks drew significant attention for cabinets, with copper tones and patinated metal looks interpreted on doors and drawers. Bright colored surfaces made bold statements in a number of other product categories.

Products Inspired by Nature

Booths and products embraced the great outdoors, with bold prints and natural settings acting as backdrops to earthy colors and nature-inspired products. Weathered woods, rugged stones and all things green were front and center, including a tree that acts as the focal point of the kitchen.

Stylish Storage

The juxtaposition of open display and hidden spaces was a key theme on the show floor. Beautifully lit shelving and glass-front cabinets with modern trim were prevalent, providing opulent opportunities to show off prized possessions. Just as captivating was the clever and discreet storage, or the kitchens that disappeared completely behind elegant doors and sliding countertops.

Spa Products

In an atmosphere of safety, wellness continued to be top of mind, and products on the show floor did not disappoint. Whether the interest was in totally decked-out pampering with custom designs or a more whimsical take on taking care, a range of products were examined and noted by show attendees.

Lighting it Up

Accessories and lighting delivered a modern vibe, with LEDs expanding the scope of what is possible in design. The finishing touches to any space, on display were products that can add significant impact or just the right element to complete a room.

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WASHINGTON, DC — Ongoing global supply-chain disruptions coupled with the prospect of higher interest rates threaten to exacerbate affordability problems for both new and existing homes in the months ahead, the National Association of Home Builders said last month.

Housing affordability, according to the latest figures released by the NAHB, held steady at its lowest level in nearly a decade, as record-high home prices offset lower mortgage rates to keep the affordability rate flat in the third quarter of 2021.

“Persistent building material supply chain bottlenecks and tariffs on Canadian lumber and Chinese steel and aluminum continue to place upward pressure on construction costs and home prices,” even in the face of continued high demand,” said Chuck Fowke, chairman of the Washington, DC-based NAHB.

Moreover, according to NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz, interest rates are anticipated to gradually rise in the coming months, as the Federal Reserve begins to taper its monthly bond and mortgage-backed securities purchases.

“To keep affordability problems from worsening, policymakers need to tackle supply-chain challenges that are disrupting and delaying construction projects and hurting housing affordability,” Dietz said. “Helping builders boost output will also slow the rapid rise in home prices that has occurred over the past year.”

In addition to concerns over building materials and the national supply chain, labor and building lot access are key constraints for housing supply, according to Dietz. “Lot availability is at multi-decade lows and the construction industry currently has more than 330,000 open positions,” Dietz said. “Policymakers need to focus on resolving these issues to help builders produce more housing to meet strong market demand.”

In related news:

n Low existing inventories and strong buyer demand helped push builder confidence higher for the third consecutive month even as supply-side challenges – including building material bottlenecks and lot and labor shortages – remain stubbornly persistent, the NAHB said, noting that as a result of supply-chain effects, there are 152,000 single-family units – up 43.4% from a year ago – that have been authorized for construction but are awaiting a go-ahead.

n Single-family housing production lagged in October due to supply-chain effects for materials and ongoing access issues for labor and lots. Overall housing starts decreased 0.7% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.52 million units, according to the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.

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RESTON, VA — Major domestic kitchen cabinet/vanity manufacturers continued to report “healthy” sales through October, according to the latest in a series of monthly surveys conducted by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association.

The KCMA’s latest “Trend of Business Survey,” released today, reflected a year-to-date sales increase among participating cabinet manufacturers of 14.7% through October, compared to the same ten-month period in 2020. Custom cabinet sales through the first 10 months of 2021 were reported up 20.1% over the same period the previous year, while semi-custom sales rose 11.5% and sales of stock cabinets gained 16.0%, the Reston, VA-based KCMA said.

Manufacturers reported an increase in overall cabinet sales of 6.7% for October 2021 compared to the same month in 2020, with custom sales up 10.4%, stock sales up 11.2% and semi-custom sales posting a 0.6% decline, the KCMA added.

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MADISON, WI — The 2019-2021 Sub-Zero, Wolf & Cove Kitchen Design Contest, which recognizes premier design professionals across the globe for their beautiful, innovative kitchen designs, has a final deadline of January 31, 2022.

The Contest’s Professional Categories are open to professional kitchen designers, architects, residential designers, interior designers, builders, remodelers, landscape designers and landscape architects only. For all Professional Categories, the design and construction of the project must have been completed in 2019, 2020, or 2021. Entrants may submit more than one entry in the various Professional Categories.

The Contest’s Student Category is open to students currently enrolled at an accredited college or university. Entries from students graduating before January 31, 2022 will be accepted only if their projects are completed and graded by their professors prior to graduation. The Student Category is limited to one entry per entrant.

Entries must be of a private, residential space only. Showroom, retail, commercial, hospitality, public recreational, educational and other non-residential environments are not eligible. All entries must meet national code requirements and restrictions, and include Sub-Zero refrigeration products and Wolf cooking appliances.

Contest entries are evaluated by a panel of esteemed judges. Each judge is a leader in the industry, from disciplines including architecture, interior design and kitchen design. The judges evaluate all qualifying entries on the following three criteria: Best function and aesthetic use of Sub-Zero and Wolf brand appliances; aesthetically pleasing overall kitchen design, and functionality of overall kitchen design. A fourth aspect is applied to the First-Time Entrant category during the judging process. In addition to the three aspects listed above, the judges will take into consideration which of the kitchen designs is the most surprising, fascinating, out-of-the-box and has a deep conviction to its vision.

Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove will award additional cash prizes to first-, second- and third-place winners in each of the Contemporary, Transitional and Traditional design categories. Cash prizes will also be awarded to one winner in each of the following categories: Small Space Kitchen, Emerging Professional, First-Time Entrant, Best Use Outside of Kitchen and Student. A cash award of $2,000 will be presented to each of the 29 professional finalists. Each of the 29 professional finalists and the Student Winner will also be awarded a trip for two to the Summit & Gala, which is currently planned for the Fall of 2022.

Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on January 31, 2022 in order to be eligible. For more information or to enter the Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Kitchen Design Contest, visit subzero-wolf.com/contest.

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HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — The National Kitchen & Bath Association has unveiled its “Thirty Under 30” Class of 2022.

The program, currently in its tenth year, recognizes talented kitchen and bath professionals under the age of 30. Nominees were evaluated on their career or educational achievements, commitment to excellence in the kitchen and bath industry and leadership within their organizations, according to the NKBA.

The 2022 Class includes: Jessica Bolles, Oasis Showroom/APR Supply, York, PA; Michael Boone, Green Forest Cabinetry, Chesapeake, VA; Andrew Converse, Moen, Cleveland; Alex Dickson, PK Brand Management, Kelowna, BC, Canada; Darla Duncan, Prime Cabinetry, Kennesaw, GA; Hannah Guilford, Heart & Hammer Homes, Fryeburg, ME; Cara Hansen, Triple Dot Design Studio, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Jesse Jarrett, Jarrett Design LLC, Emmaus, PA; Becky Leu, Leu Interiors, Des Moines, IA; Andrea Liston-Jones, Liston Design Build, St. Charles, MO; James McDonald, McDonald Contracting, Arlington, MA; Madelaine Millholland, CASE Design/Remodeling, Bethesda, MD; Basia M’Pinda, Kohler/Williams & Associates, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Antoinette Nunez, CKBD, F&J Builders, Wilmington, DE; Hannah Pregont, Superior Marketing, Brooklyn, NY; Megan Reed, AKBD, CLIPP, Beyond the Box Inc., Billings, MT, and Kelsey Richter, BDA & Associates, Fishers, IN.

Other Class of 2022 members include: Caitlin Ryan, Fisher & Paykel | DCS Experience Center, New York; Grace Sheehan, CLIPP, Kitchen Doctors, Midlothian, VA; Justyna Skolasinski, AKBD, Crystal Lumber, Crystal Falls, MI.; Amanda Slattery, Artistic Cabinetry, Jackson Lake, NE; Benjamin Stoler, Delta Faucet Co., Indianapolis; AJ Tentler, Delta Faucet Co., Indianapolis; Summerlyn Travis, Strohmaier Construction, Spokane, WA; Hannah Triebel, Sunnyfields Cabinetry, Baltimore, MD; Austin Waldhauser, Kenwood Kitchens, Columbia, MD; Emily-Anne Walker, Ferguson Enterprises, Williamsburg, VA; Patience Whipple, Chariot Plumbing Supply Design, Sandy, UT; Pip Wu, D.I.D., Ferguson/Wolseley, Burnaby, BC, Canada, and Shantelle Yablonski, Superior Cabinets, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.

The incoming class will be formally inducted during KBIS 2022 in Orlando, FL, according to the NKBA.

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Hicksville, NY — Sometimes, some of the best projects start with a complex story. Such was the case with this recent renovation, which involved a tear down and rebuild of the Northport, NY home sited on the shores of Long Island Sound.

The homeowner and builder (Jato Builders) had visited several firms looking for a collaborative kitchen designer who could help bring to fruition the client’s vision for an elegant residence with a coastal design vibe.

“She’s very particular and she just wasn’t making a connection with anyone,” recalls Ellen Lopez, CMKBD/founder/principal designer, EL Design Studio, in Hicksville, NY. “That’s when I received a phone call from a friend and fellow designer who asked if I would be interested in the project. The homeowner came to my studio and we hit it off immediately.”

Focus on the Waterfront

One of the challenges in finding the right designer was finding someone who could navigate the challenges associated with the relatively large space and the homeowner’s wishes. Specifically, she wanted a kitchen that was unique – i.e., nothing ‘cookie cutter’ – with a functional layout. She also wanted a focus on the waterfront and elegant materials and finishes – including those that would play off of the reflective and shimmery chandelier she had already selected to float above the adjacent eating area.

“The whole design concept actually started with the light fixture,” she says. “We wanted to keep everything elegant to live up to it, yet keep it toned down a bit so it wouldn’t be overpowering.”

The breathtaking vista of the Long Island Sound also played a significant role in the design.

“The view is the focal point,” she relates, adding that the home’s location is very peaceful and serene. “We didn’t want to detract from it.”

To accommodate, a wall of windows and patio doors with transoms and arched mullions stretch the length of the kitchen and into the adjacent dining room. The color palette and material selection also pay homage to the view.

“We wanted to bring the North Shore of Long Island’s color palette into the house, which we achieved with a variety of materials and wood tones,” Lopez explains. The resulting mix of soft, natural tones is accentuated with a perfect balance of accent colors to provide definition and detail.

For example, Cambria Skara Brae quartz countertops and accent walls, which are tucked behind wooden floating shelves, feature dramatic earth-toned veins set against a bone white background that draw the eye around the room and capture the ebb and flow of the water beyond the windows. Its light and dark tones are repeated in the custom EL Design Studio cabinetry, which is accented with Rocky Mountain Hardware and walnut interiors. The former color tone is represented by the perimeter cabinets and the latter is echoed in the island, which is sheathed in a custom finish that reflects the colors and textures of rocks and pebbles outside. To visually minimize its large dimension, Lopez topped the island with a combination of quartz and custom-figured maple. The wood, from Grothouse, is stained dark and rich to add elegance, depth and strength.

“In a sense, the combination of materials tricks the eye,” she states, adding that elevating the wood eases the transition between the surfaces and gives the wood an impressive and stately appearance. “I didn’t want just one giant piece of stone. Instead, the mix of materials, and the light versus dark, is more interesting and inviting.”

Lopez incorporated plenty of seating, a prep sink and the Thermador range into the island. Hovering above, the ventilation hood – built collectively by Birchcraft Kitchens and Grothouse – also includes antiqued mirrors that reflect the water.

The Importance of Work Flow

Because Lopez’s client loves to cook, creating a functional layout was critical…and challenging, given the fact that she had an extensive appliance wish list that included two wall ovens and a 36″ range, two dishwashers, a microwave drawer and a built-in coffee machine. Plus, she wanted a walk-in pantry with entry provided from within the kitchen.

“It took three iterations to find the perfect layout that established a good work flow in an aesthetically pleasing space,” she indicates.

With one wall dedicated to the view, and therefore unavailable for wall or tall cabinetry, the designer focused on creating rhythm and flow with a small work triangle consisting of the Kohler Whitehaven Cashmere farmhouse sink and Thermador range and refrigerator. Tucked within is the Miele coffee machine and a Thermador microwave drawer.

A separate Thermador column freezer is a few steps away on the opposite side of the arched entrance into the great room. Turning the corner, Lopez placed two additional ovens. Across from another arched entrance, this time into the formal dining room, she included a television, countertop with additional storage and the entrance into the hidden pantry, which sits behind the wall. To add interest, Lopez accented the door with antiqued mirrors.

“I created the entry to look like a tall cabinet, rather than a door,” she explains. “Plus, the mirror offers a reflection of the water so everyone, including those seated at the nearby banquette with their backs to the window, can see the view.”

Inside the pantry, Lopez included several unexpected details, including glass/wire mesh upper cabinets, open shelves and another Grothouse wood countertop.

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